Are you having trouble sticking to your exercise routine? Don't feel bad -- seriously. It might just be the reason you can't follow through.

A relationship between exercise and self-confidence has been proven -- Diet Blog cites a recent study, which "showed self-efficacy alone boosted exercise adherence by 139 percent over the course of a year." That's a major increase!

So, if you're looking to boost your fitness level, maybe you should work on boosting your confidence, too. Check out the gallery for seven tips to boost your self-esteem.

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Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!

Dear Laura:

What is your opinion about affirmations? Do you think they work if you are trying to lose weight? I've tried them before and no luck.

Signed,

Curious in Webster, NY

Dear Curious,

By affirmations, I assume you are referring to where one speaks out loud a phrase related to specific goal. Yes, I believe they can work. But your mind and your heart need to be in the right places. Or you might as well be reading The Gettysburg Address out loud every day.

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I was browsing through Divine Caroline and I found this article -- Love Letter to My Right Bicep. I think it's silly and fun, but it's also a great idea.

What part of your body do you just love? Sure, we all have flaws that we tend to zero in on. But rather than focusing on the negative, take a glass-half-full perspective and focus on everything that's awesome about your body.

Do you actually have to write yourself a love letter? It's up to you ... but why not? It's a perfect exercise to remind yourself of what's good, toned, strong, and healthy about your body. It's a positive and affirming way to view yourself. And maybe it will give you some inspiration to keep exercising and strengthening the areas you aren't so thrilled with.

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Do you avoid the camera's lens? Do you avert your eyes when you walk past a full-length mirror? It's time to take a look and learn to love what you see.

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